Then, while the whole concourse of people held their breaths, their hearts in their mouths, Luigi with his fingers turned to steel, shot past Francesco with the dash of a gull, and amid the shouts of thousands lifted his victorious hat to the multitude.
For the first time in sixty years the same pair of arms had won five races!
Luigi was Primo and the Castellani the victors of the sea.
* * * * * * *
When Luigi's boat had reached the main landing of the Gardens and he had mounted the great flight of marble steps, a hundred hands held out to him joyous welcome. Amalia, who had forced her way to his side, threw her arms about his neck.
"Did the boy bet, child?" he asked, wiping the sweat from his face.
"Yes, signore."
"On Francesco?"
"No, dear Luigi, on you! Oh, I am so happy!"